A. A Religious Science Practitioner is a highly trained spiritual counselor who has undergone years of study and practice, completed internships, passed stringent written exams and oral panels, and has been licensed by United Centers for Spiritual Living.
Q. Why would I want to see a practitioner instead of a therapist?
A. As we grow spiritually, we understand better that treating a problem at the level of the problem sometimes prolongs or even worsens it. Once we commit to a spiritual path, we realize that in God lies every answer, often immediately. The spiritual solution is easy, fast, and usually happens in ways our logical minds never could have imagined. A session with a practitioner invites God into what is going on in your life, and while the counseling is very beneficial, the ultimate answer is always in the prayer and the trust in God. If you truly believe in God and want to let God into every area of your life, finding a highly qualified practitioner who has as much or more experience as the average therapist is a wonderful route to realizing God more fully in your life.
Q. Are there practitioners who are also licensed as therapists?
A. Religious Science Practitioners are bound by their licensing not to use other titles along with their RScP title. This is because we are lay members of the clergy first and foremost. Therapists are bound by their licensing not to engage religion in their treatment. I prefer the openness I have in my practice to turn to God and invite the Grace of God into every situation. Although conventional therapy is often helpful, it tends to be limited strictly to the known as far as analysis and approaches to healing are concerned. There are no limits in God when it comes to healing, miracles and the mystical.
Q. What is a typical practitioner session with you like?
A. I see clients mainly in my office at the North Hollywood Church of Religious Science. Phone sessions are also an option. Each session is one hour long. We begin in prayer, opening the time up to God’s guidance. The majority of the session is spent in dialogue, which looks something like typical therapy. Once the client has a chance to outline the problem or situation, the spiritual solution is sought and discussed. We end in prayer, including everything that has been spoken of and knowing that this final trusting of God produces all manner of miracles and demonstrations. Sometimes, homework is given or reading is recommended to aid the client in dealing spiritually with the challenge at hand. After the session, I advise clients to remain in the healing energy, and release any tendency to think more about the problem.
Q. What kind of clients do you see?
A. A wide variety. I see clients who are seeking healing or expansion in such areas as health, finances, professional life, creativity, and relationships. It is especially gratifying to me that, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, orientation, etc., everyone feels open and safe. Many of my clients are in the entertainment industry, where continued success often depends upon self-confidence and positive thought patterns. Some clients are in recovery. I find that the principles we teach and use are very compatible with the work done in 12-step programs. Every one leaves feeling better, with a sense of direction and increased trust in God. Something good always happens as a result of the affirmative prayer spoken for whatever situations are being addressed.
Q. How much do you charge, and how often do you recommend clients see you?
A. Each one hour session is $100. My work on behalf of my clients continues between sessions, as I hold each one in consciousness and frequent prayer. In my experience, those who make regular commitments to seeing me reap benefits beyond just the session itself, through a more sustained awareness and application of spiritual principles. Those who come weekly, every other week, or monthly report more powerful demonstrations and a greater sense of overall expansion, well-being and spiritual evolution. Those who come only when in some crisis, although always helped by seeing me, tend to experience more of a band-aid effect. Most clients going through major challenges see me at least once per week. In some cases, clients may be experiencing a period sometimes referred to as a “dark night of the soul”, and may temporarily request more frequent sessions. This most often leads to a major breakthrough that frees them up to move forward.